Ford has been pretty slow to respond to the growing need of more fuel-efficient models and with the styling advancement of their sedan range, which has disappointed Ford's senior management. One example is the Ford Five-Hundred aka. Ford Taurus. The styling of that sedan is not only boring, but it also looks like it could have been designed in the 80's or early 90's.
According to Reuters Executive Chairman, Bill Ford said "my only regret now is that we didn’t move further faster."
Bill Ford is also very disappointed that Ford has not fully taken up more "green" vehicles, even though he himself pushed for them years ago.
According to Reuters, Bill Ford stated “In many parts of the auto industry, I was viewed as some kind of crazy radical,” he said. “And when I talked about the environment 20 years ago, or frankly even five years, many people thought I was eccentric at best or perhaps incredibly naive.”
Toyota has gained popularity in the last few years due to the Prius, while Ford remains known for its gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks. Ford only currently has its Escape/Mariner hybrid SUVs, while Toyota has the Prius, Highlander, Camry, and Lexus hybrids.
It's great that Ford is finally realizing that their current designs are very forgettable!
Full Story: Motor Authority
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Comments (7)
Well, brand new Mondeo for Europe is simply gorgeous. The S-max is quite appealing too. Actually, I think they are catching up on design and even surpassing competitors with their latest designs.
Posted by Gabi | June 2, 2007 6:26 AM
Posted on June 2, 2007 06:26
Yes, in Europe they are, but not in the USA.
Posted by Diabl0 | June 2, 2007 7:45 AM
Posted on June 2, 2007 07:45
GM has recently been drawing on its European and Australian designs with pretty good success, Ford should consider doing the same.
Posted by Alex | June 2, 2007 11:48 AM
Posted on June 2, 2007 11:48
Indeed yes. Ford in Australia will soon launch an all new Falcon next year. This should be sold inside the USA along with the Territory SUV. They also made the dumb decision to stop making the Fairlane which is another larger car that should be sold here as well.
Can this web site do an article on the upcoming Ford Falcon???
Even the current GT and Typhoon models look awesome even though they are getting dated now. With around 350HP one is V8 the other is a 6cyl 4.0l turbo.
Posted by Peanut | June 3, 2007 6:13 PM
Posted on June 3, 2007 18:13
Don't you just love that.
Their home market cars wouldn't stand a chance to sell overseas so they give them much higher quality, better designed cars, and they sh*t on their home market.
Isn't that there a saying, "Don't sh*t where you eat".
Posted by Noya | June 5, 2007 6:14 PM
Posted on June 5, 2007 18:14
Joint press release from Ford, GM, and Chrysler:
"Dee dee deeeeeeeee"
Posted by The solution Man | June 14, 2007 12:36 PM
Posted on June 14, 2007 12:36
It's amazing how fast they went down the drain. If they want back up like GM, they should cut the cheap crap and make someting other than trucks that someone who doesn't work for Ford would want to buy
Posted by AJ | November 8, 2007 4:41 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 16:41